HOUSTON (April 2010) — Kicking off the month of May, the 2010 Boots & Bonnets Charity Gala benefiting SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers and celebrating “A Winning Tradition,” is filling up quickly. To be held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak on Saturday, May 1 at 7 p.m., the event will honor William and Marie Wise and family for their extraordinary contributions to the nonprofit organization over the last decade, which stemmed from their lifelong passion for horses. Honorary chairmen for the event are Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson and his wife, Gay.

SIRE’s “Winning Tradition” began in 1983 and is acknowledged as one of the nation’s top therapeutic riding programs with locations in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County. It currently serves 230 children and adults with disabilities by providing life-changing therapy through horseback riding. Boots & Bonnets will generate needed funds to continue SIRE’s proven program that empowers clients to gain confidence, improve motor skills and enjoy the thrill of riding high in the saddle on a majestic animal.

“SIRE is proud to honor William and Marie Wise and family at Boots & Bonnets for their ongoing support and enthusiasm for our organization and its clients,” says James (Jimm) Williams, executive director of SIRE. “Their hands-on volunteer efforts and financial contributions have been invaluable to our mission and have allowed us to keep our momentum going.” Other Wise family members being recognized include Mary Elizabeth and Hugo Sand, Genna and John Evans and Vivian Wise.

Additionally, Williams acknowledges the contributions of Mayor Thompson and Mrs. Thompson serving as honorary co-chairs of the event. “They have become strong supporters of our mission,” he says.

Current Corporate Sponsors for SIRE are CGG Veritas, Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, Texas Farm and Ranch Magazine, Mancuso Harley-Davidson, OYO Geospace, Vincent Communications, TGS-NOPEC Geophysical, Continental Airlines, Axyon Consulting LLC, Raptor Technologies, Woodway Florist, and BBVA Compass.

Popular Houston band Fried Ice Cream, described as “a 9-piece band featuring lead male and female vocalists, an inspiring horn section and a funky 4-piece rhythm section” will have the audience on the dance floor in no time. Legendary Houston radio personality Crash Collins from FM 101 will add some spice as auctioneer for the live auction. Guests can also bid on silent auction items. This gala that promises to be a hit among party-goers.

Individual tickets to the 2010 Boots & Bonnets Charity Gala benefiting SIRE are $200 per person. Underwriting opportunities are available starting at $2,000 through $20,000 for a Diamond Sponsor. Seating is limited. For ticket information, please call 281.356.7588. For more information about SIRE, please visit the web site at www.sire-htec.org.

SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is a 501C (3) non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization which uses the spirit and movement of the horse to benefit people with disabilities. SIRE has been active in the Houston area for 27 years and currently serves clients at sites in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County. SIRE is a premier accredited center with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).

HOUSTON (April 9, 2010) – Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, L.P. of Houston, has announced that the company will provide scholarships to prospective clients of SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, who want to participate in its programs but are hampered by financial limitations. SIRE is a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities who can benefit from equine assisted therapy. SIRE uses the spirit and movement of the horse to strengthen bodies, encourage learning and nourish spirits. Currently, SIRE has locations in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County at Sienna Stables.

“We are excited about our partnership with SIRE since it dovetails with what our company is about,” says Tom DiBello, owner and chief executive officer of Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, L.P. and a board certified orthotist. “For years, we have heard about the benefits of equine assisted therapy for those with disabilities. Now we can be directly involved.”

“Our company is committed to being at the forefront of patient-oriented orthopedic bracing and artificial limb technology,” DiBello continues. “There is nothing more gratifying than seeing our clients able to participate in a wide range of physical activities, including therapeutic horseback riding, which is where SIRE excels. By providing scholarships for SIRE clients in financial need, we hope to enhance their quality of life as they reap tangible benefits from equine therapy.”

Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, located at 11155 S. Main (77025), was founded in 1987 with a focus on lower limb orthoses. In 1992, DiBello took ownership of the firm, which is committed to providing the optimum fit, function and appearance of all custom prostheses and orthoses. Dynamic staff works closely with the patient, doctor and therapist to ensure the efficacy of the final product. Today, the scope of services provided is extensive, from custom ankle/foot orthoses to myoelectric upper limbs to cranial molding helmets.

“After we made a presentation at one of Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics’ monthly education days, they contacted us about becoming more involved in our endeavors,” says James (Jimm) Williams, executive director of SIRE. “The idea of providing scholarships to disabled adults and teens who would like to be part of SIRE but might need financial assistance seemed to be a logical extension of Dynamic’s business. Thanks to their generosity, we can expand our services to even more clients with disabilities who can benefit from our method of therapeutic riding,”

For more information about Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, L.P., visit the web site at www.dynamicoandp.com. To learn more about SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, log onto www.sire-htec.org.

7 pm - Cocktails
8 pm to midnight - Dinner & Dancing with the musical group Fried Ice Cream

Dress is Derby Bonnets and Dress Boots
prizes for the best bonnets and best boots

We are planning a spectacular night of live music, dancing, fine food, auction treasures and much, much more! This very special night is a salute to years of hope and healing through therapeutic horseback riding and related therapeutic activities for thousands of Houston area children and adults with disabilities.

Honorary Chairs: Sugar Land Mayor James and Gay Thompson

Honorees: The Wise Family — William and Marie Wise, Hugo and Mary Elizabeth Sand, Jon and Genna Evans, and Vivian Wise

Therapeutic horseback riding tremendously impacts the lives of individuals with brain damage, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, autism, Down’s syndrome, spinal injuries and many other disabilities. By using the movement and spirit of the horse, combined with the teamwork of the rider, instructor, therapist and volunteers, therapeutic horseback riding produces life-changing results!

You can directly contribute to the success of this event by donating an item or items to the live and/or silent auction. Your auction donation will be recognized in the gala program that night and will be listed on our website. SIRE is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please download the Auction Contribution Form and mail to: SIRE, c/o: Harla Kaplan, Director of Development, 1035 Chamboard Lane, Houston, Texas 77018, fax to 713-263-7134 or call 713/639-1681 for more information.

SIRE provides programs for individuals who have physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments and psycho-social disorders. SIRE works with its clients to improve motor skills, balance and posture while stimulating the cardiovascular system and normalizing muscle tone. The client also experiences the three-dimensional movement of the horse, similar to a human’s gait, which is difficult to duplicate in a clinical setting.

SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization which uses the spirit and movement of the horse to benefit people with disabilities. SIRE has been active in the Houston area for 26 years and currently serves clients at sites in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County. SIRE is a premier accredited center with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). For more information about SIRE, call 281.356.7558 or visit www.sire-htec.org.

“We are excited to have Wendy join our team at SIRE,” said Jimm Williams, Executive Director of SIRE. “Her passion for helping others along with her extensive knowledge and love of horses will certainly assist SIRE, the volunteers and the riders of our organization. She brings with her some invaluable contacts throughout the equestrian community, as well as relationships with many area corporations and individuals who share a philanthropic belief and a willingness to give back to the local community.” Cook brings a wealth of experience to SIRE after serving for seven years as the Executive Director of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.

“I am thrilled to join SIRE and all of the people and horses that are a part of the organization,” says Cook. “SIRE has an honorable mission and provides many new concepts projected to catapult the benefits of therapeutic riding into the spotlight. I feel that I have much to offer, a great deal to learn as well as receive. I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenge!”

SIRE provides programs for individuals who have physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments and psycho-social disorders. SIRE works with its clients to improve motor skills, balance and posture while stimulating the cardiovascular system and normalizing muscle tone. The client also experiences the three-dimensional movement of the horse, similar to a human’s gait, which is difficult to duplicate in a clinical setting.

SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit therapeutic horseback riding organization which uses the spirit and movement of the horse to benefit people with disabilities. SIRE has been active in the Houston area for 26 years and currently serves clients at sites in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County. SIRE is a premier accredited center with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). For more information about SIRE, call 281.356.7558 or visit www.sire-htec.org.

From Anthony - “I am very excited about joining the SIRE team. In addition to anticipating the satisfaction derived from working with the program’s students and volunteers I am looking forward to expanding SIRE’s instructor training offerings. Inviting people from other neighborhoods to come to SIRE to receive their training and certification as Therapeutic Riding Instructors will have national and global impact as they return home to their local communities and implement what we have taught them.”

More information about all of our staff is found on our website.

This enrichment is open to Horse Leaders from all sites. Please e-mail vc.hockley [at] sire-htec.org to let us know if you will attend this educational event.

SIRE Hockley
Ignacio Murguia had surgery to straighten his legs, and he grew several inches. When he came back to ride, he had a “new body” that was difficult to manage. By working hard every week, Ignacio could sit up longer—back in September we were counting in minutes, and now he can sit up the entire session.

Choosing the right horse has helped Erin Brown, a longtime SIRE client, succeed after a setback. Erin fractured her pelvis in a fall at home, and had difficulties when she returned to riding. With lots of hard work, Erin has graduated to a horse with more movement.

It’s easier with a little help from your friends. Two girls, Yessenia Luna and Elizabeth Williams, encourage each other. Being a team has helped each girl learn new skills and share their friendship. Another team, Karen Abbott’s riders called the “Sensational Six”, has practically grown up at SIRE on horseback—they help each other and even have a group cheer at the end of class.

SIRE Spring
Progress can be measured in many ways—how well you hold the reins for steering, how many directions you can follow, recognizing yourself as a successful person.

Whitney Faerber’s family has watched her grow and improve while riding at SIRE Spring. She has been learning to ride without sidewalkers or leaders, and very recently she rode completely independent. The smile on her face lit up the arena.

Being able to sit upright on a horse is a huge accomplishment for some of our riders, especially for those in wheelchairs like Megan Fry. Recently, she participated in the Top Hands Horse Show, and demonstrated her abilities at the Horses & Humans Research Foundation’s Open House Presentation.

SIRE Fort Bend
Several Fort Bend riders have made great strides—some at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Top Hands Horse Show, and some right here in the arena at SIRE.

Five of seven SIRE Fort Bend riders had never competed before at the show: Sebastian Arizpe, Alyse Delph, Erica Haase, Lance Nicholson and Derrick Perkins. Together with our show veterans Allison Meyer and Cade Zimmerman, these riders performed beautifully in their classes and accomplished individual personal goals.

Our 2008 Child Rider of the Year, Alejandro Araque, is one of the hardest working riders at SIRE. His strength and ability to use his body effectively to communicate with his horse continue to amaze us all.

Brittany Ricco is having an amazing semester, as she is taking control of her movements as well as her horse. Brittany can now stop those spasms and work through them.

So many wonderful riders, we can’t mention them all, but they all deserve applause. It’s our pleasure and privilege to work with them every week. They truly are our inspiration.